Decorative grip and method for manufacturing

ABSTRACT

A grip includes a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface and a design formed along the inner surface. The grip is formed by forming a transparent polymeric body shaped and dimensioned for attachment to an article and for gripping by an individual and applying laser energy to the inner surface of the body in a manner forming a design along the inner surface of the polymeric body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/760,412, filed Jan. 21, 2004, entitled “DECORATIVE GRIP AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURE”, which is currently pending.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to decorative grips and a method for manufacturing the decorative grips. More particularly, the invention relates to transparent, decorative grips including a three-dimensional design within the grip, the design being created through the application of laser energy to a transparent grip blank.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As molding techniques have improved over the years, manufacturers have begun to develop a variety of molded grips/handles for use with sporting implements, tools and appliances. These grips/handles take a variety of forms and manufacturers are consistently attempting to distinguish themselves within the marketplace by providing grips and/or handles different from those of their competitors. As such, various techniques and apparatuses for use in the manufacture of decorative and distinguishable grips/handles have been developed.

With this in mind, a need continues to exist for improved grips and/or handles, as well as a method for manufacturing the grips and/or handles. The present invention provides such a grip/handle as well as a method for manufacturing the grip/handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a grip including a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The grip also includes a design formed along the inner surface of the body, the design comprising a plurality of grooves formed in an aesthetically desirable pattern.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for forming a decorative grip. The method is achieved by forming a transparent polymeric body shaped and dimensioned for attachment to an article and for gripping by an individual, the body including an inner surface and an outer surface, and applying a high energy source to the inner surface of the body in a manner forming a design along the inner surface of the polymeric body.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf club with a transparent grip, the grip being shaped and dimensioned to fit over a shaft of a golf club. The golf club includes a shaft having a first end with a club head secured thereto and a second end with a grip secured thereto. The grip includes a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a design formed along the inner surface of the body. The design comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an aesthetically desirable pattern.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth certain embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf grip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view along the line II-II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic showing engraving of a grip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of a grip in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present grip with an LED cap member secured thereto.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the cap member shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a golf grip in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view along the line VII-VII in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic showing engraving of a grip in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed embodiment of the present invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis for teaching one skilled in the art how to make and/or use the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a decorative grip 10 in accordance with the present invention is disclosed. Although the term “grip” is used throughout the present specification, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention is not limited to grips per se, but may be employed with a variety of structures shaped and dimensioned for gripping by the user of the implement to which the structure is secured.

The grip 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is designed for use in conjunction with a golf club 12. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles of the present invention may be applied in the manufacture of grips for various purposes without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the concepts of the present invention may be applied in the manufacture of (but not limited to) tennis grips, racquetball grips, squash grips, hammer handles, appliance handles, tool handles, motorcycle grips, bicycle grips, badminton grips and all other sports equipment grips, etc.

The grip 10 includes a body 14 of transparent polymeric material. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that grips may be formed from a variety of polymeric materials depending upon the needs of the particular activity, and it is the intention of the present invention not to limit the scope of the invention to particular materials. The grip 10 is shaped and dimensioned for its particular purpose. As such, the grip 10 disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shaped and dimensioned for attachment to the shaft 16 of a conventional golf club 12. The body 14 is substantially cylindrical and includes an inner surface 18 and an outer surface 20 with a first end 22 and a second end 24. The first end 22 is substantially closed and constitutes the butt end of the grip 10, while the second end 24 is substantially open permitting the grip 10 to be slid over the golf shaft 16 during assembly of the golf club 12.

The body 14 of the grip 10 includes a three-dimensional design 26 formed between the inner surface 18 and the outer surface 20 of the body 14. The design 26 may take any aesthetically desirable form and the invention is not limited to specific designs. In fact, the design 26 is only limited by the imagination of the individual programing the laser used in the creation of the design. As briefly mentioned above, the design 26 is formed between the inner surface 18 and the outer surface 20 of the body 14, creating the appearance that the design 26 is trapped between the two surfaces 18, 20. In fact, by controlling the energy of the laser in a manner that will be discussed below in greater detail, the design 26 is formed with depth creating a three-dimensional effect offering an aesthetically desirable image.

More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 3, it is shown how the three-dimensional design 26 is created by the application of laser energy 28 to a blank transparent body 14 (which will later be utilized as the grip discussed above). By controlling the application of laser energy 28, the depth of the design 26 formed within the body 14 is controlled in a highly accurate manner.

Briefly, the decorative grip 10 is formed by a method comprising the steps of forming a transparent polymeric body 14 shaped and dimensioned for attachment to an article 12 and for gripping by an individual and applying laser energy 28 to the body 14 in a manner forming a design 26 within the polymeric body 14, wherein the design 26 is formed between the inner surface 28 and the outer surface 30 of the transparent polymeric body 14. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the laser energy 28 is applied in the form of a Nd: YAG laser and the laser energy 28 forms a three-dimensional design within the body 14. Although laser energy is used in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated other high energy sources may be employed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a three-dimensional crystal laser inner engraving machine 32 is utilized for creating the three-dimensional images within the transparent body 14. The engraving machine 32 generally includes a Nd: YAG laser, x-y-z scanning positioning unit, electronic control system and software. Such engraving machines are well known within the industry and a variety of machines may be utilized in accordance with the present invention without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, China Tool, Inc. manufactures such a device sold under the name “3-D Crystal Laser Engraving Tool”. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operating characteristics of the laser (for example, intensity duration, etc.) will be varied depending upon the polymer chosen for the blank and the desired design.

The engraving machine 32 utilized in accordance with the present invention permits the creation of letters, logo types and real three-dimensional pictures, burned (or carved) through a fixed distance (depth) within the transparent body 14 for the creation of a complete grip 10 and the operation of the engraving machine 32 is totally controlled through the use of a computer. As such, a user is able to define all marking specifications, including, but not limited to, the size and density of points and the position of images inside the blank transparent body 30.

Generally speaking, the laser energy 28 creates a laser focus point 34 which gasifies the polymer making a path of marks at a fixed depth within the transparent body 14 by creating high temperatures therein. This process changes the appearance of the polymer at the focus point 34. By creating many of these focus points 34, a design 26 is produced within the transparent body 14. The focus points 34 are created at different depths to create the three-dimensional effect. The desired patterns may be input to the system utilizing a variety of currently available design software, including, but not limited to, 3DMAX, AUTOCAD R14, PHOTOSHOP, etc.

Engravers of this type are highly dependable, provide long continuous working times and offer high engraving speeds. In addition, they operate with a variety of graphic functions and provide software that may be used to make a variety of patterns. In addition, the engravers offer non-contact processing, maintaining the transparent body 14 in a highly desirable condition.

In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the present invention, and with reference to FIG. 4, it is contemplated that the entire grip 110 need not be formed from a transparent material. Rather the grip may be formed with an inner layer 136 of an opaque material and an outer layer (or transparent body) 138 formed from a transparent material. As with the prior embodiment, the outer layer 138 includes inner and outer surfaces 118, 120 between which the design 126 is formed. The thickness of the relative inner and outer layers 136, 138 may be varied to suit the specifically aesthetic demands of the design one wishes to form within the grip.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the grip 10 may further be provided with a cap member 40 including LEDs 42 to enhance the appearance of the design 26 formed within the grip 10. In particular, the cap member 40 is adapted for selective attachment to the first end 18 of the body 14 via a screw mechanism or other attachment technique (not shown). The cap member 40 is secured such that the plurality of LEDs 42 are mounted for directing light downwardly within the transparent body 14.

The cap member 40 is a self-contained device including the LEDs 42 and a power source 44 for powering the LEDs 42. As those skilled in the art will certainly appreciate, activation of the LEDs 42 may be achieved using a variety of switches 46 without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In practice, the LEDs 42 direct light downwardly within the transparent body 14. The light will pass freely through the transparent material but hit the design 26 scattering light for viewing externally of the grip 10.

With reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, an alternate embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. Briefly, this alternate embodiment employs laser marking technology to create a design along the inner surface 218 of the transparent grip 210.

As with the grip discussed above, the present grip 210 is designed for use in conjunction with a golf club 212 having a golf shaft 216, although those skilled in the art will appreciate the principles of the present invention may be applied in the manufacture of grips for various purposes without departing from the spirit of the invention. The grip 210 includes a body 214 of transparent polymeric material. As with the prior embodiment, those skilled in the art will appreciate that grips may be formed from a variety of polymeric materials depending on the needs of the particular activity and it is the intention of the present invention not to limit the scope of the invention to particular materials.

The body 214 is substantially cylindrical and includes an inner surface 218 and an outer surface 220 with a first end 222 and a second end 224. The first end 222 is substantially closed and constitutes the butt end of the grip 210, while the second end 224 is substantially open permitting the grip 210 to be slid over the golf shaft 216 during assembly of the golf club 212.

The body 214 of the grip 210 includes a three-dimensional design 226 formed along the inner surface 218 of the cylindrical body 214. The design 226 maytake any aesthetically desirable form and the invention is not limited to specific designs. The design 226 is formed along the inner surface 218 through the application of laser energy 232 in a manner similar to that discussed above with regard to the prior embodiment in which the design is positioned between the inner surface and the outer surface. In accordance with this embodiment, this design 226 is cut into the inner surface 218 forming a radially outwardly directing groove 244 along the transparent body 214, but does not completely burn through the entire thickness of the body 214. Although laser energy is disclosed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it is contemplated infrared or high energy X-ray energy may be used without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

Once the body 214 is manufactured with a design 226 cut along the inner surface 218 it is placed upon the shaft 216 of a golf club 212 in a traditional manner. However, upon application, the adhesive tape 219 commonly utilized in securing a grip 210 to a shaft 216 will fill in the grooves 244 made in the creation of the design. As such, the adhesive 219 will add to the aesthetic effect produced by the design 226. In order to enhance the effect produced by the adhesive 219 moving into the groove 244 areas along the inner surface 218 of the grip body 214, the adhesive 219 maybe colored so as to accentuate the design 226 produced via the grooves 244 along the inner surface 218 thereof. From the outside of the grip 210, the colored adhesive taking the space along the grooves 244 within the inner surface 218 of the body 214 presents the character or design of the grip 210.

While the preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be understood that there is no intent to limit the invention by such disclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications and alternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. A grip, comprising: a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a design formed along the inner surface the body, the design comprising a plurality of grooves formed in an aesthetically desirable pattern.
 2. The grip according to claim 1, wherein the design is three-dimensional.
 3. The grip according to claim 1, wherein the grip is shaped and dimensioned for attachment to a shaft of a golf club.
 4. The grip according to claim 1, wherein the grip is substantially cylindrical.
 5. The grip according to claim 1, wherein the grip includes a first end and a second end, the first end being closed and the second end being open for attachment to an article.
 6. A method for forming a decorative grip, comprising the following steps: forming a transparent polymeric body shaped and dimensioned for attachment to an article and for gripping by an individual, the body including an inner surface and an outer surface; applying a high energy source to the inner surface of the body in a manner forming a design along the inner surface of the polymeric body.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the polymeric body is cylindrical shaped.
 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the high energy source is laser energy, infrared, or high energy X-ray.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the laser energy forms a three-dimensional design within the body.
 10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the high energy source forms a three-dimensional design within the body.
 11. The method according to claim 6, further including the step of securing the grip to an article.
 12. The method according to claim 6, wherein the article is a shaft of a golf club.
 13. The method according to claim 6, wherein the design comprises a plurality of grooves formed in an aesthetically desirable pattern.
 14. A golf club with a transparent grip, the grip being shaped and dimensioned to fit over a shaft of a golf club, the golf club comprising: a shaft having a first end with a club head secured thereto and a second end with a grip secured thereto, wherein the grip includes: a transparent polymeric body having an inner surface and an outer surface; and a design formed along the inner surface of the body, the design comprising a plurality of grooves formed in an aesthetically desirable pattern.
 15. The golf club according to claim 14, wherein the design is three-dimensional.
 16. The golf club according to claim 14, wherein the grip is substantially cylindrical.
 17. The golf club according to claim 14, wherein adhesive is positioned between the shaft and the grip.
 18. The gold club according to claim 17, wherein the adhesive fills in space defined by the recesses.
 19. The golf club according to claim 18, wherein the adhesive is colored. 